JN Foundation to Host Regional Motorcycle Safety Forum

A high-level regional forum bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the urgent issue of motorcycle helmet safety will be held at the AC Hotel in Kingston on June 19 and 20.

The event will feature five panel discussions and three keynote addresses, providing a platform for dynamic dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy-orientated solutions.

Organised by the JN Foundation through the National Helmet Wearing Coalition in collaboration with the FIA Foundation and FIA motor clubs in the Caribbean and the National Road Safety Council, the forum aims to address critical legislative and enforcement gaps, promote behaviour change, and mitigate the social and economic impact of motorcycle-related fatalities across the region.

Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, said the event is a critical step towards regional collaboration to develop, strengthen and enact policies which save lives.

‘In Jamaica, motorcyclists accounted for about 30% of road fatalities in 2024. The statistics are common to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, where there is similar experience in managing issues related to helmet wearing, certification and standardisation.  We believe that dialogue will be helpful to arriving at a position of collaboration to address these issues,” she asserted.

With speakers from countries in the region, the event will explore legislative and regulatory gaps on how weak or absent laws contribute to a culture that undervalues helmet wearing;  challenges in enforcement and policing; and nurturing behaviour change through advocacy and storytelling.

Other topics include social and economic impact, highlighting the costs of preventable motorcycle crashes to families, health systems, and national development.

Ms Allen added that the forum will bring together regional and international experts in road safety and enforcement, psychology and behaviour change, policy development, academia and public health and international organisations, including the FIA Foundation.

Some of the presenters include Shivanie Mahadeo of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards; Dr Terry Smith, principal scientist at Galateus; Dave Cliff, chief executive officer of Global Road Safety Partnership in Mexico; Sam Clarke, head of programmes at TRANSAID; and Frank Fotia, president of FIA Region 111, based in Canada.

Meanwhile, local presenters who will address the conference are Dr Gary McKenzie, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Jamaica Constabulary Force; Dr Wendell Richards, head of the Standards Compliance Department at the National Bureau of Standards; and Col Daniel Pryce, director general, Island Traffic Authority.

Among the moderators for the two-day event are Dr Lucien Jones, chairman of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition and vice chair of the National Road Safety Council; Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee, vice president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, and Paula Fletcher, executive director of the National Road Safety Council.

Ms Allen said the objectives and outcomes of the sessions are to uncover best practices and promote evidence-based recommendations for regional implementation and encourage collaboration to increase helmet wearing.

Other objectives include developing a regional action plan aimed at improving helmet certification standards, testing helmet imports, and enhancing public awareness campaigns.

“Helmet wearing and standardisation is a troubling issue for many countries globally and creates significant economic burdens for small island developing sates, like Jamaica. Even as we take action to improve outcomes for motorcycle drivers here, if we are going to be effective, we will need to collaborate with our regional neighbours to have a stronger voice in this global discussion,” she concluded.

The outcomes will serve as a call to action for governments, institutions, and civil society. A final report and refined recommendations will be submitted to regional government representatives to stimulate further action.

Persons can register to join the hybrid event at no cost via the JN Foundation website at https://www.jnfoundation.com/heads-up-regional-think-tank/

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Keeping Your Cool Behind the Wheel: Tips to Avoid Road Rage Conflicts

As Jamaicans navigate negative behaviours on our roads daily, road rage has become a growing concern on the nation’s thoroughfares. Road rage can lead to serious repercussions, including crashes, injuries, and even fatalities. But what exactly fuels this aggressive behaviour and how can motorists avoid it?

According to Montel Hill, lead – Driving Academy at the JN Foundation, common triggers include heavy traffic, unexpected delays, running late, and feeling disrespected by other drivers, such as being cut off or tailgated. However, these triggers are often compounded by personal stressors such as anxiety, illness, or a bad day, which can make emotional outbursts behind the wheel more likely.

“Road rage is often emotional,” Mr Hill explained. “It’s different from aggressive driving, which can be shaped by context, like rushing to complete more trips to earn an income or reacting to the sounds of revving engines. Road rage, on the other hand, comes from an emotional response to stress, fear, or frustration.”

This view is supported by a 2022 study published in the Journal of Transport & Health, which found that stress and emotional dysregulation are key predictors of road rage. The study concluded that drivers who are more emotionally reactive are more likely to engage in hostile behaviours, especially when they perceive themselves to be disrespected or endangered by others.

A 2016 report by the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80 per cent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, or road rage at least once in the previous year.

The American Psychological Associationlinks road rage to acute stress reactions, especially in people who struggle to manage emotions effectively. Their research shows that drivers under stress are more likely to misinterpret others’ actions as hostile, increasing the chances of retaliatory behaviour.

So, how can drivers better manage their emotions and stay safe on the road? Mr Hill gives four tips to control road rage:

1. Recognise the Triggers

Awareness is the first step in prevention. “Know what sets you off,” advises the JN Foundation lead on the Driving Academy. “If you’re physically or emotionally unwell, it might be safer to delay your trip or ask someone else to drive, such as a trusted friend, family member, or paid taxi service,” he said.

2. Choose Calm Over Conflict

When faced with provocation on the road, it’s crucial to stay composed. “When they go low, the good motorist should go high,” Mr Hill said. “Avoid making eye contact or responding to aggressive gestures. Instead, give aggressive drivers space, maintain a three- to four-second following distance, and if tailgated, safely pull over and let them pass,” he added.

3. Focus on Your Destination, Not the Distraction

Redirect your attention away from the behaviour of others, he suggested. Simple tactics like deep breathing, listening to calming music, or repeating a calming phrase can help defuse tension, he suggested. “Remind yourself: ‘My goal is to arrive safely’.”

4. Build Emotional Intelligence Through Education

Mr Hill informed that emotional awareness is being incorporated into driver education at the JN Foundation Driving Academy. “We promote a holistic approach that combines practical skills with emotional readiness,” he said.

Through a partnership with the Jamaica Automobile Association, the JN Foundation is launching iDrive4Life, a programme designed to provide comprehensive driver training through a combination of practical, on-the-road exercises, advanced driving technology, utilizing a state-of-the-art driving simulator and road safety empowerment. Additionally, the programme incorporates emotional awareness, recognizing the critical role mindset and emotional control play in safe and responsible driving.

“With a sharp rise in crashes caused by human error, managing road rage is no longer just a personal challenge; it’s a public safety issue. Ultimately, every driver has a role to play,” the JN Foundation representative noted. “Staying calm is a choice and it could save your life.”

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Teaching Kids the Power of Money: Why Financial Literacy Must Start at a Young Age

In a world where financial decisions are made daily, equipping children with financial literacy from a young age is a necessity, said Rose Miller, financial education consultant with the JN Foundation.

“Early education in money management lays the foundation for responsible financial behaviours” Mrs Miller pointed out.

She said it is important that children develop a healthy relationship with money, one that fosters responsibility, confidence, and purpose. “It’s not just about saving for a toy or a phone; it’s about nurturing a mindset that sees money as a tool to achieve personal and financial goals and do good,” she said.

“We want them to understand money, understand the value and the power it holds,” Mrs Miller explained. “It’s what you use to achieve your financial goals.”

The JN Foundation consultantinformed thatone of the key objectives is to dismantle the belief that wealth is reserved for a select few. Instead, children should be encouraged to see financial success as achievable and inclusive.

“It’s not a certain set of people who can be wealthy,” she said. “We want them to have a positive attitude towards money, one that has as its foundation good values and an understanding of philanthropy.”

By normalising conversations about money, Mrs Miller explained, that this will break the traditional silence and stigma surrounding financial discussions. “It’s not taboo,” she insisted. “It’s just about having an open, honest conversation, investing the time and resources to ensure that when it comes to handling and discussing money, they are comfortable and confident.”

She recommends the following three steps to teach children financial literacy:

Goal Setting with Purpose

Guided and support children in establishing their own financial goals, which will vary by age, from small savings goals for younger children to longer-term plans for teens. Through this, they learn the concept of goal duration or term, short, medium, or long, the associated timeframe for each and what is possible in each category.

“Teach them how to set SMART goals,” she asserted, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound goals, a powerful theory not only for financial planning but one that will serve them well throughout life,” she explained.

Earning and Budgeting

She informed that goal setting is one piece of the financial literacy puzzle, another equally important piece which is directly align is teaching children how to earn and manage money through age-appropriate means, whether through chores, allowances, fundraising initiatives or even entrepreneurial ventures.

“They learn the connection between working and earning as also the value of budgeting — even with small amounts they receive,” she stated. “As they master the art of budgeting, they will be well positioned to achieve their financial goals.”

Learning from the Journey

Beyond pursuing and reaching a goal, children are also encouraged to reflect on the journey and take full advantage of the many valuable lessons. If they fall short, they’re taught how to take corrective measures, adjust their plans and learn from the experience.

“Parents can help them to reflect and evaluate,” she explained. “So that the next goal they set, they’ll be in a better position to achieve.”

Financial literacy is not just about saving and investing, it encompasses a broad range of skills and knowledge essential to making informed financial decisions throughout one’s life.  It’s also about building confidence, and a mindset that empowers children to take control of their future.

“Starting now, let’s all help our children have a better relationship with money, a tool which can be used to shape their lives but never define it” she said.

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Financial Education Consultant Stresses Vital Steps to Take Before Getting a Credit Card

With reports consistently highlighting challenges regarding debt management, particularly credit card debt in Jamaica, to include poor usage and limited knowledge and understanding of how credit cards work, Rose Miller, financial education consultant with the JN Foundation, has issued a call for consumers to take these critical steps before getting a credit card.

Mrs Miller said although credit cards offer convenience, security and opportunities to build credit history, there are key factors to consider to help users make more informed decisions and manage credit effectively.

Establish the Reason for Acquiring the Card

She said before obtaining a credit card, individuals should first determine the intended purpose or purposes for acquiring the card. This approach, she explained, helps ensure that persons will select a card that aligns with their specific needs, emphasising that common reasons for getting a credit card include building credit history, managing cash flow, earning rewards or cashback, and accessing funds for emergencies.

Assess Your Eligibility

Mrs Miller said it is also important for consumers to carry out their own self-assessment to see whether they meet the specific criteria outlined by financial institutions for credit card applicants.

“While requirements may vary across financial institutions, meeting the basic criteria before applying significantly improves your chances of approval. For example, you will want to ensure you meet the minimum age requirement and have a stable income to demonstrate your ability to repay. Many institutions also assess your credit score, determined by your overall financial behaviour, so if you know you have significant debt and you are delinquent, that will likely impact your chances” she shared.

Understand Fees and Rates

The financial education consultant said each institution will likely have unique offerings and recommended looking for online reviews and details on fees and rates.

“Research and read all terms and conditions carefully to understand all associated costs,” she advised, pointing to some of the costs that consumers need to be aware of. These include interest rates, annual, foreign transaction and late payment fees, as well as cash advance fees.

Know the Credit Limit

She also encouraged individuals to familiarise themselves with their credit limit, the maximum amount they are allowed to charge using their credit card. She also advised keeping credit usage low to help maintain a healthy credit score.

“Consistently high credit usage may negatively impact your creditworthiness over time, since it can signal financial strain to lenders,” she explained.

Evaluate Rewards and Benefits

Mrs Miller advised consumers to carefully evaluate whether a credit card reward programme aligns with their spending habits. She said several credit cards are designed for local needs, with benefits such as discounts with partner merchants and cashback on everyday expenses.

She encouraged comparing cards to ensure the rewards offered are relevant and beneficial. However, she cautioned that “while rewards can be enticing, your spending should always remain within your budget. It’s not wise to overspend just to earn points or cashback.”

Learn How to Manage Your Card Responsibly

According to Mrs Miller, a credit card can be a valuable financial tool when managed wisely. She highlighted several tips for effective management, including paying off the outstanding balance in full and on time each month to avoid interest charges, setting up alerts through mobile banking or other apps to ensure payment deadlines are met, and regularly monitoring statements to catch unauthorised transactions or errors.

“By establishing the purpose for applying for the card, researching your options, and managing your card responsibly, you can enjoy the benefits without falling into debt,” she said. “A credit card is a good instrument to have, it can help save time, money and build credit. But how you use it is critical. It requires discipline and careful planning to ensure you enjoy the benefits and avoid the many pitfalls which can lead to it becoming a financial burden.”

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Five Reasons to Donate Blood at the NHWC Blood Drive, April 12

Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to help save lives. Here’s your opportunity to make a real impact!

The National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC), in collaboration with the JN Foundation, will be hosting a blood drive at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Join us in making a difference!

Motorcycle-related crashes account for some 30 per cent of all road fatalities, placing immense pressure on the healthcare system, which is already experiencing a low supply of blood. According to data from the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), to function efficiently the NBTS requires 60,000 units of blood annually but collects only half of that amount each year.

Can’t make it to Montego Bay? You may also consider visiting any of the NBTS collection centres across the country.

Here are five compelling reasons to roll up your sleeve and donate:

1. You Can Save Lives

A single blood donation can save up to three lives. Blood is essential for accident victims, patients undergoing surgery, those battling cancer, and individuals with conditions like sickle cell anaemia. By donating blood, you provide a critical resource that hospitals and medical facilities need to treat patients effectively.

2. You Never Know When You or a Loved One Might Need it

Emergencies are unpredictable, and anyone can find themselves in need of a blood transfusion at some point. By donating blood regularly, you help maintain a stable blood supply, ensuring that it is available when needed for yourself, your family, or a friend.

3. It is a Quick and Simple Process

Donating blood typically takes about an hour, including registration, a brief health screening, and the donation itself. The actual blood draw lasts approximately 10 minutes. This short commitment can have a lasting impact on your or someone’s life.

4. It’s Healthy!

Donating blood offers health benefits to you, the donor. Regular blood donation (every three months) can help reduce harmful iron levels in the body, lowering the risk of heart disease. Additionally, you will receive a mini health check-up, which includes monitoring blood pressure, pulse, and haemoglobin levels which can help you stay informed about your overall health.

5. Blood Can’t be Manufactured

Despite medical advancements, there is no synthetic substitute for human blood. It must come from healthy donors who are willing to give. This makes every donation critical to ensuring that hospitals have a sufficient supply for those in need.

Giving blood is a small act with a significant impact. It’s safe and deeply rewarding. If you are eligible to donate, consider making it a habit. Your generosity could mean the difference between life and death for someone in need. Schedule your donation today and become a lifesaver!

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Martin Gooden Champions Volunteerism

Photo Caption: Martin Gooden, a dedicated volunteer addresses members of the JN Circle.

Martin Gooden, a dedicated volunteer with more than 45 years of service to the Jamaica Red Cross, highlighted the transformative power of volunteerism during a recent JN Circle event at the ROK Hotel in Kingston.

Speaking under the theme “The Gift of Community: Reflecting on a Year of Success,” he urged attendees to embrace the values of compassion, resilience, and lifelong learning to create positive change in their communities.

“By embodying compassion, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning, volunteers can transform lives and strengthen communities,” Mr Gooden affirmed.

In his address, Mr Gooden outlined the core traits of exceptional volunteers, emphasising empathy, adaptability, effective communication, integrity, and teamwork.

“At the heart of exceptional volunteering lies profound empathy,” he said. “Remarkable volunteers connect deeply with the causes they serve, extending kindness and understanding to create meaningful, lasting change.”

Flexibility, he added, is essential for overcoming challenges. “Volunteering often demands adaptability. Embrace the unexpected, adjust to changing circumstances, and maintain a steady focus on the goal,” he advised.

Mr Gooden, a consultant at JN Money Services Limited, inspired the gathering of JN Circle chapters by reminding them that their efforts do not only transform communities, but also empower personal growth.

“By embracing the qualities of exceptional volunteers, we can truly change the world, one act of service at a time,” he said.

In addition to his motivational charge, Mr Gooden commended the JN Circle network for its impressive contributions in 2024. The group, supported by the JN Foundation, received approval for 13 community projects through 10 chapters across Jamaica. Each project was funded with grants of up to $1.5 million.

Photo Caption: Martin Gooden, a dedicated volunteer addresses members of the JN Circle.

Omar Wright, Lead for Environment and Community Development at the JN Foundation, applauded the JN Circle chapters across the country and overseas for their dedication.

“Your impactful projects, such as furnishing the Port Antonio Women’s Centre, installing a solar system at the Candle in Dark shelter, and the equipping of a computer lab and upgrading of a playground by JN Circle Morant Bay for the St Thomas Parish Library and Chapel Hill Basic School respectively, exemplify the power of collective action in transforming communities” he stated.

Meanwhile, other projects included the upgrading of play areas for basic schools by the JN Circle Westmoreland, Santa Cruz and Gayle, Ocho Rios and St Mary, a rainwater harvesting system and Ferncourt High School and introducing a reading programme in Alligator Pond,

Shana-Lee Coley Smith, a representative of the St Thomas Parish Library, highlighted the significant impact the refurbishment of the computer lab has had on the institution.

“Since the donation, the computer lab is constantly filled with library users completing assignments, browsing social networking sites, and accessing job resources. Most importantly, we restarted the basic computer training session for seniors, with 11 participants beginning training in November 2024,” she shared.

The JN Circle is a global network of JN members and customers who leverage the JN Group’s resources to serve as advocates and community change agents. With 17 chapters spanning all 14 parishes and active groups in Toronto, Canada, and London, England, the JN Circle continues to make meaningful contributions to community development.

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Claudine Allen (left), General Manager of the JN Foundation, helps a student of Chapel Hill Basic School enjoy the seesaw, as Norman Hinds, President of the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter, and Nina Peters, Business Relationship and Sales Manager at JN Bank, look on with smiles.

Chapel Hill Basic School Unveils First-Ever Playground

Photo Caption: Claudine Allen (left), General Manager of the JN Foundation, helps a student of Chapel Hill Basic School enjoy the seesaw, as Norman Hinds, President of the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter, and Nina Peters, Business Relationship and Sales Manager at JN Bank, look on with smiles.

Several studies have emphasised that play is an essential part of a child’s cognitive, social, and physical development. In recognition of this important aspect of childhood development and its commitment to early childhood education, the JN Foundation, through the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter, recently established the first-ever playground at Chapel Hill Basic School in its 60 years of existence.

Chapel Hill Basic School has nurtured some prominent Jamaicans over its 60-year history, including 2020 Olympic Gold medallist over the 110-metre hurdles, Hansle Parchment.

Principal, Nadine Richards-Gowie, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the impact on students’ learning experiences.

 “The children now have a secure area to play and [the] play equipment will enhance coordination and the development of muscles,” she noted. The school currently accommodates 42 students and is staffed by three teachers.

Norman Hinds, president of the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter, underscored the necessity of the initiative.

“We selected this project because we saw the need for the children to have a play area to engage in more activities that contribute to their development,” he said.

Hakeem Atkinson, Member Relations Supervisor at JN Group, assists a student at Chapel Hill Basic School in climbing the monkey bar, one of the pieces of equipment donated to the school.
Photo Caption: Hakeem Atkinson, Member Relations Supervisor at JN Group, assists a student at Chapel Hill Basic School in climbing the monkey bar, one of the pieces of equipment donated to the school.

The playground features a variety of equipment, including swings, a slide, and monkey bars, all designed to support the physical and cognitive growth of the students. Hinds noted that the project has been met with enthusiasm from both the school and the community.

“My members are elated and happy to have [undertaken] the project for this school. Now that it has become a reality, we are feeling joyful, happy, and glad,” he added.

Mr Hinds also highlighted the school’s importance to the local community and reiterated the value of the initiative.

“We are proud to contribute to the children’s growth and development, ensuring they have access to facilities that enrich their learning experience.”

General Manager of the JN Foundation, Claudine Allen, also welcomed the opportunity to enrich the lives of the children.

“It is indeed a pleasure to share in an important part of the experience of every child who learns at Chapel Hill Basic School,” she remarked. “Play is an essential part of children’s growth, aiding in the development of motor skills, cooperation, and cognitive abilities. Having safe facilities for children to play in is critical in every early childhood education institution.”

Ms Allen also acknowledged the role of the church in supporting education in Jamaica, commending its longstanding commitment to nurturing young minds.

She also expressed hope that as the government continues to implement standards for safe play areas, more schools will benefit from similar facilities.

“Chapel Hill Basic School is now ahead of many other institutions, and we dream with you that one day, what you have will become the standard nationwide,” Miss Allen said. She noted that Global Schools Play Day is recognised annually in February, with February the 5th celebrated by UNICEF and Ministry of Education, Youth, and Information as Play Day JA.

Mrs Richards-Gowie is confident that the new play area will positively impact the school by attracting more interest from parents and ensuring students develop essential motor skills and socialization skills.

“Playing is an important part of children’s lives, and with this development, parents can be assured that their children are receiving holistic growth,” she said.

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Jaison McIntosh is the Winner of the UJAA High School Graduate Awards Essay Competition

Photo Caption: Sydoney Preddie (second right), Lead for Youth and Education Programmes at the JN Foundation presents a gift to Jaison McIntosh (centre) after making a courtesy call on the JN Foundation team. Sharing in the moment are his parents, Garnet (right) and Patrice Neil-McIntosh and his brother, Justin (left).

Seventeen-year-old Jaison McIntosh, a recent graduate of Westlake High School in Thornwood, New York, and a second-generation Jamaican by birth, is overjoyed after recently winning the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA) High School Graduate Awards and Essay Competition.

Organised by UJAA, the competition celebrates Jamaican heritage and is open to US high school seniors of Jamaican descent. Now in its 35th year, the competition aims to inspire students to share their perspectives and personal experiences with different cultures. The prize, a trip to Jamaica, offers winners an opportunity to deepen their connection to Jamaican life and culture.

Jaison, who is now attending the State University of New York at Albany and majoring in accounting with an interest in finance, credited his mother for encouraging him to enter the competition.

“My mom brought up the idea, and at first, I was hesitant because I didn’t really want to write an essay. But she kept advocating, saying it was a great opportunity, and I should take advantage of it,” he shared.

His efforts paid off when he was announced as one of the top prize winners, earning two tickets to Jamaica.

“My heart was beating as they read the names. I thought maybe I didn’t win anything. Then, they got to the two tickets to Jamaica, and I heard my name. It was so exciting—we were all screaming, and my mike was still on, so they could hear everything!” he recalled.

While in Jamaica, Jaison made a courtesy visit to the JN Foundation team, who congratulated him on his achievement. The JN Foundation, which focuses on youth, education, and the Diaspora, has supported UJAA for many years, providing winners with opportunities to engage with Jamaican professionals and gain exposure to the country’s business sector.

Photo Caption: Chevanese Peters (right), Project Coordinator at the JN Foundation presents a gift to Jaison McIntosh (centre) after making a courtesy call on the JN Foundation team. Sharing in the moment is his mother Patrice Neil-McIntosh.

Chevanese Peters, Project Coordinator at the JN Foundation, encouraged Jaison to keep his options open as he pursues his interests in music and finance.

“You can focus on one or all; you have the benefit of youth. But set your foundation right, as that provides security and the freedom to make choices later,” she advised.

Sydoney Preddie, Lead for Youth and Education Programmes at the JN Foundation, also offered Jaison advice, emphasising patience.

“By your final year of study, you gain greater clarity as you prepare to enter your professional field, as you’ll be more mature and better equipped to make decisions about your career path,” she said.

For Jaison, returning to Jamaica was a fantastic experience. His parents, Garnet and Patrice Neil-McIntosh, both Jamaicans, were equally proud of their son.

During the meeting, Jason passionately expressed his deep love for Jamaica, recounting his experiences both in Jamaica and abroad as a proud Jamaican descendant. His reflections painted a vivid picture of his connection to his heritage, highlighting the cultural influences such as Reggae music that have shaped his journey. He also shared that he was documenting his visit with his camera.

Jaison’s accomplishments extend beyond the essay competition. At Westlake High School, he excelled academically, taking courses in statistics, pre-calculus, biology, U.S. history, government, and macroeconomics. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society, and his extracurricular activities included the Spanish Club, Stage Crew, Jazz Band, Math Club, and participation on the Lacrosse and Football teams.

Reflecting on his heritage, Jaison encouraged other Jamaican students to participate in the competition.

“Just write about your experiences, what you grew up with, and your culture. Be yourself and write about yourself,” he advised.

The UJAA, a non-profit umbrella organisation representing more than 60 alumni associations of Jamaican schools and other educational institutions, continues to foster connections among students of Jamaican heritage through initiatives like this competition.

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Grief to Advocacy: Maleek Powell’s Mission to Save Lives on Jamaica’s Roads

Photo Caption: Maleek Powell, entrepreneur and member of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition addressing a National Helmet Wearing Coalition event, recently.

In the stillness of grief, Maleek Powell found a voice that would not stay silent. The entrepreneur, content creator, and road safety advocate channelled the devastating loss of his sister-in-law, Catherine Hyman, into a mission to prevent others from experiencing the heartache his family endured.

Ms Hyman, a beloved phlebotomist, died tragically in August 2019 at the age of 51 in a crash caused by reckless driving in the parish of St. Catherine. She was travelling to work from Spanish Town to Portmore at the time. Her death was a stark reminder of the dangers that plague Jamaican roads.

A Tragic Loss That Sparked Action

“I woke up to countless missed calls, and I just knew something was wrong,” Mr Powell recalled. “By the time I got through to my family, I was told Catherine was gone. The driver’s reckless decision to overtake a truck on a corner cost two lives that morning.”

Powell’s grief deepened when graphic videos of the crash circulated online. “I watched my sister-in-law take her last breath,” he shared. “It was devastating.”

You hear about these crashes all the time, but it doesn’t hit home until it’s your family. Catherine’s death was completely avoidable. These behaviours make no sense.”

In the wake of her loss, Mr Powell turned to social media to vent his sorrow and frustration. “For almost two weeks, I spoke online every day,” he said. “I cried, I pleaded, and I begged for change. People started listening, and it made me realise I had a role to play in advocating for safer roads.”

Mr Powell credits Catherine for shaping the person he has become. “She believed in us, in our dreams, even the untraditional ones,” he said. “She was a forward thinker who encouraged me to pursue my passions, even when they seemed out of reach.”

A Voice for Safer Roads

To honour her memory, Mr Powell committed to using his platform to promote road safety. He joined the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, a group dedicated to increasing helmet use and compliance with Jamaica’s Road Traffic Act. “Every opportunity I get to advocate, I take it,” he said. “If I can prevent even one family from going through what we did, I’ve honoured her memory.”

Mr Powell’s advocacy extends beyond helmets. He calls for systemic changes in policy, infrastructure, and enforcement. “The infrastructure to save lives is often missing, and enforcement feels punitive rather than educational,” he explained. “We need to show people why these laws exist, to save lives, not punish.”

He believes Jamaica’s culture of rule-breaking contributes to the crisis. “We need to rediscover the value of life,” he said. “Thrill-seeking and recklessness shouldn’t take precedence over safety. It’s about preserving lives, not stifling freedom.”

The Importance of Certified Helmets

Mr Powell strongly advocates for the mandatory use of certified helmets, particularly for motorcyclists. “No one should own a bike without owning a certified helmet,” he stated. “Wearing a helmet gives you a fighting chance. It should be non-negotiable.”

Through the Coalition, Mr Powell works tirelessly to amplify this message. “We aim to shift mindsets and make safety a priority,” he said. “Catherine would be proud of this work. She was always outspoken and willing to go against the grain. This is my way of carrying her legacy forward.”

For Mr Powell, road safety is more than a campaign, it’s a deeply personal mission. “Catherine laid the groundwork for who I am today,” he said. “She didn’t get to see the fruits of her support, but I hope my advocacy makes her proud. If we can save lives and spare families this pain, then her memory lives on in every life preserved.”

The 35-year-old owns owns a small production company, which he started in 2019. The company produces mini documentaries as well as motivational content for social media geared around perspective shifts and mindset change. He is driven by a passion to help others become better versions of themselves.

His journey from grief to advocacy is a powerful reminder of the strength found in love and loss. His voice, now amplified by the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, echoes with urgency: Jamaica must treasure life and take every step to protect it.

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Dinthill Students Gain Life-Saving Insights at Road Safety Session

Photo Caption: Feyonia Myrie (left), communications officer demonstrates to a student a Dinthill Technical High School how to wear a helmet.

The auditorium at Dinthill Technical High School in Linstead, St Catherine, was abuzz with activity as grade 10 students gathered for an interactive road safety presentation, spearheaded by the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC), a project implemented by the JN Foundation and the National Road Safety Council, and funded by the FIA Foundation

The focus of the session was the importance of wearing helmets, an often overlooked yet critical aspect of road safety.

A Powerful Road Safety Message

Sydoney Preddie, Project Manager for the NHWC, led the presentation with a mix of passion and urgency. Through charts, videos, and real-life statistics, she highlighted the devastating consequences of neglecting helmet use.

“We aim to reach young people at this crucial stage of their development to instill a culture of safety,” she explained after her presentation. “By helping them understand the importance of wearing helmets and making responsible decisions on the road, we hope these habits will carry over when they become motorists, ultimately contributing to fewer accidents and saving lives.”

Students Share Their Takeaways

For Grade 10 student, Kechani Thompson, the session was both engaging and informative. “It was educational,” she shared. “I learned that helmets can expire and how many people die each year from not wearing them.” Although she doesn’t ride bikes, the presentation had an impact on her. “In Jamaica, a lot of people don’t wear helmets when they ride bikes,” she observed.

Her classmate Michele found the session equally eye-opening. “I learned that you don’t just ride bikes—you drive them,” she said, her interest piqued at the prospect of getting her driver’s licence in the future.

Photo Caption: Students at Dinthill Technical High School shows of message boards at the National Helmet Wearing Coalition school tour at the school recently.

For Trishana Francis, however, the session resonated on a deeper level. Feeling uplifted after a challenging morning, she revealed, “I was feeling down, but going in there and coming out, I felt kind of happy. It lifted my spirits.”

Her personal connection to the topic made it even more meaningful. Her older brother, an avid biker, did not own a helmet. Her wish to provide him with a helmet was later fulfilled by the Coalition, a gesture that left her both relieved and happy.

Dinthill’s Commitment to Road Safety

The initiative aligns seamlessly with Dinthill Technical High School’s commitment to promoting road safety. Principal Anthony Garwood underscored the school’s proactive approach, which includes driver education as part of the curriculum.

“We’re one of the schools that do driver education. It came out of a concern about how the students respond on the road, how they take transportation and what transportation to take,” he explained.

Mr Garwood commended the students for their positive reception of the session, particularly the interactive elements. “The initiative by the JN Foundation is a great addition to what we’re already doing,” he said.

Collaborating partners, including the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) and the HEART Trust NSTA, also emphasised the importance of reaching young people early. Dontae Matthews, ITA’s Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Relations, noted, “We want to ensure that our motorcyclists, prospective and current, wear helmets. We also realise that our young people account for a lot of our fatalities, so we have to get to them at an early age.”

Nearly 240 upper school students were in attendance for the helmet safety presentation and the wider school community of almost 1,000 were engaged at the booths during the day’s activities.

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